Former South Korean President takes on all responsibilities in place of his subordinate.

Although she maintained her innocence during the trial on October 16, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye expressed her hope that the court would hold her fully accountable and show leniency to other officials and businesspeople involved in her scandal.

Former President Park Geun-hye being escorted to court in Seoul in May. Photo: AFP

In her first court appearance after her detention was extended, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye said today, October 16, that she was a "victim" of a political revenge plot disguised as legal action.

"I hope I will be the last victim of political revenge carried out in the name of the rule of law," Park declared in court.

The former South Korean president said the past six months of her detention were "a time of hardship and horror," during which she had to appear in court four times a week. Park also expressed "extreme pain" at witnessing former civil servants and businesspeople seeking to contribute to the development of the South Korean economy being brought to trial.

"I endured both physical and mental pain with the sole belief that the truth would be revealed, that I never abused my presidential power for personal gain," Park said, emphasizing her innocence.

"I never accepted or demanded preferential treatment while I was in power. I believe that during the trial, the suspicions against me were clarified and that they were untrue," Park added.

The former president also expressed regret over the Seoul court's decision to extend her detention for another six months after the initial period ended. Park said this was a difficult decision for her to accept.

"I have come to the conclusion that it is difficult to believe the court will base its decision solely on the Constitution and conscience, despite external political influence and public pressure," Park said.

Choi Soon-sil is escorted to court for trial. Photo: Reuters

However, former President Park declared that she would never give up the fight and believed that the truth would eventually be revealed.

"I will bear the full blame of history and all responsibility for this incident. I hope the court will hold me accountable and show leniency to other officials and businesspeople," Park emphasized.

Former President Park Geun-hye was impeached and arrested in March on a series of charges, including bribery and abuse of power. She was accused of colluding with her close friend Choi Soon-sil to receive 43 billion won (US$37 million) from major South Korean corporations, including Samsung. Additionally, Park was criticized for allowing her friend to interfere in state affairs and for exploiting their relationship for personal gain.

In September, prosecutors proposed extending Park's detention, arguing they needed more time to complete the trial process for the former president. Therefore, Park will remain in detention until April 16th of next year.

According to Dan Tri